WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing titled, “The Federal Research Portfolio: Capitalizing on Investments in R&D,” on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 2:15 p.m. The hearing will consider the federal government’s role in research and development (R&D), and the nation’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and outreach initiatives.

Recognizing the need for long-term investments in science and technology, Congress passed the America COMPETES Acts of 2007 and 2010 to significantly increase key federal R&D budgets; to promote STEM education; and to support the innovation necessary for economic growth. Although Members on both sides of the Hill have expressed interest in new legislation to further these goals, disagreements exist as to appropriate levels of federal funding, the balance between support for basic and translational research, and the criteria for awarding research grants.

Please note the hearing will be webcast live via the Senate Commerce Committee website. Refresh the Commerce Committee homepage 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to automatically begin streaming the webcast.

Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid or service, including closed captioning service for the webcast hearing, should contact Stephanie Gamache at 202-224-5511 at least three business days in advance of the hearing date.